The living room was dark, lit only by the flickering blue light of the large TV screen. Vicky’s mother was sitting on the far end of the sofa, laughing at a joke in the movie. Her stepbrother, Leo, was sprawled on the carpet, munching on popcorn and staring at the screen.
Vicky was sitting right next to her stepfather, Greg. A thick, fuzzy blanket covered both of their laps, hiding them from everyone else in the room. Underneath that blanket, Vicky’s heart was racing. She leaned in close to Greg, her shoulder pressing against his.
"Greg," she whispered, her voice barely a breath. "I can’t see the screen well. Can I sit on your thigh? It’s more comfortable."
Greg shifted, his eyes darting toward her mother for a split second he knew her so well. "Vicky, there’s plenty of room on the cush
